Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus and people get a chance to feast and have fun while others travel to villages to celebrate with their families. However, I personally have grown to view Christmas differently. When I was little, Christmas meant merry-making, having a new attire and shoes, eating well, sometimes eating out, or visiting relatives. By then, at home, we started preparing the Christmas tree like a week before Christmas and adorned it just to usher in the Christmas mood. It didn’t feel like Christmas until Christmas carols were played on radio and TV, plus lights and balloons put up for a festive ambiance.

But now, the excitement of eating and having new clothes and so forth is long gone. To me, what fills my heart with joy for Christmas is sharing the little I have with others, whether clothes, food, money, or any kind of help. It makes no sense to feast when the people around us even have no idea of what to eat or wear. There’re people admitted in hospitals for a long time and have lost hope of getting discharged, but anyone can put a smile on their faces by shopping for them, so they also enjoy Jesus’ birthday.

Giving doesn’t mean that you’re rich or have a lot, it’s just getting a part of whatever you have from the bottom of your heart, and gladly sharing with those that don’t have.

I know with Covid-19 restrictions, it may be hard going to hospitals just like that, but you can communicate with the hospital establishments and make someone’s day amazing. Also, giving some money to family members, especially parents or guardians, means a lot. Some people have tapped in this kind of a blessing because they know that when they make their parents happy, they’re blessed.

Orphans and street children may have lost hope but it’s never too late to reach out or offer support to the underprivileged children in diverse NGOs.

I also believe that the festive season should be about checking on one another and encouraging each other. People are going through tough situations but fear to open up, but once you show concern and provide a listening ear, you may be surprised by what people keep silent about.

You can offer hope or refer someone to counsellors or even stand together in prayer. Prayer works and it changes, I can testify about this, but some other time.

For business people, how about offering discounts to your esteemed customers so that they’re able to afford food and other products this festive season. I have no doubt that anyone can make another happy in all ways. 

Away from giving, Christmas ought to be a time to reflect and emulate Jesus’ example, for instance, through loving one another and forgiving those who hurt us. When Jesus looks down on us celebrating his birth but our hearts are full of rage and lack love, He gets disappointed that we aren’t living the life He lived on earth. We are called to be servants, choosing to serve other people’s interests before ours. 

Jesus expects His followers to be humble, compassionate, zealous, patient, prayerful, and selfless. Not forgetting to spend time in His presence through reading the word of God.

These are kind reminders that celebrating Christmas is more than just having fun, roasting meat, playing music, and dancing, but remembering what Jesus requires from us and doing just that. Merry Christmas.